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Escobar's comeback begins with 'pen session

PHOENIX -- Right-hander Kelvim Escobar declared his 35-pitch bullpen session a success on Thursday, marking an unofficial launch to his first big league camp in three years.

The 36-year-old is bidding for a spot in the Brewers bullpen after beginning his comeback in the Venezuelan Winter League.

He threw all fastballs, "just to get a feeling again," Escobar said. "I was pitching in winter ball, so I knew I would feel fine."

Escobar will throw at least one more bullpen session before facing hitters. He's fine with his relatively slow progression.

"They said because the spring is going to be long, they don't want to rush me," he said. "They understand I was pitching in winter ball, but at the same time, they know I've been [away] for two years and it will take me a while to get back in baseball [shape]. No need to rush."

Escobar figured he would take a day or two off before taking the mound again.

"If he's fine, we may try to go a little harder with him," manager Ron Roenicke said. "It will be a conversation [pitching coach] Rick [Kranitz] will have with him. [Escobar] has been around long enough, he knows what he needs to do. And if he wants to do a little bit more, we'll try to do more."